Hogfish
📖 Overview
A large and economically valuable species, monandric and a protogynous hermaphrodite . Adults are found over open bottoms or coral reef areas . Often encountered where gorgonians are abundant . Feed mainly on mollusks, also crabs and sea urchins . Flesh highly esteemed; marketed fresh and frozen . Have been reared in captivity .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10. Deep-bodied wrasse with a strongly arched dorsal profile. First 3 dorsal spines filamentous. Only wrasse with elongate dorsal spines and such a highly arched profile . Color variable but generally mottled brownish red with a black spot at rear base of dorsal fin .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Hogfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Hogfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Monandric (no primary males) , protogynous hermaphrodites. Sex change is postmaturation; it is initiated among individuals 30-40 cm LF (or 3-5 yrs) but was also observed in fish as large as 69.4 cm LF (13 yrs). Sex change occurred after one more spawning (as a female) seasons and requires several months to complete. Harem spawner. Spawning activity is characterised by the following event called 'spawning rush': 1) pectoral swim up, 2) tail swim, 3) swin alongsode and tilt, 4) release, 5) circle and display, and 6) swim down .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 30 m . Subtropical; 46°N - 4°N, 98°W - 51°W South America.
🌿 Ecology
mollusks, also crabs and sea urchins (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labrus maximus | Walbaum | 1792 | Synonym |
| Lachnolaimis maximus | Walbaum | 1792 | Synonym |
| Lachnolaimus aigula | Valenciennes | 1839 | Synonym |
| Lachnolaimus caninus | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Lachnolaimus dux | Valenciennes | 1839 | Synonym |
| Lachnolaimus psittacus | Valenciennes | 1839 | Synonym |
| Lachnolaimus suillus | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 27 records indexed .
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